For many people, the career they start with is not the one they want to stay in forever. Maybe you realized your true passion lies elsewhere, or perhaps your current industry is shrinking, and you need new opportunities. Whatever the reason, transitioning to a new career is a big step but it can also be overwhelming.
Now the good news is that career changes are more common than ever, and employers today are more open to hiring candidates with diverse backgrounds. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Yes it is a switch, but it is not as easy as moving from one room to the other. Many job seekers make critical mistakes that slow them down or even prevent them from breaking into their desired field. To help you navigate this transition successfully, we spoke with career coach Tolulope Michael, Chief Visionary Officer at Thelix Holdings, who shared practical advice on what works, what doesn’t, and how to land your next job faster.
Avoid These Common Career Change Mistakes
According to Tolulope Michael, one of the biggest mistakes career changers make is waiting too long to gain hands-on experience. “People think they need a degree or an expensive certification before they can start applying for jobs in a new field. But hiring managers care more about proof that you can do the work than a piece of paper saying you studied it.” Instead of waiting, he suggests creating experience through volunteering, freelancing, or personal projects. “Just do something you can point to when asked, ‘What have you done in this field?’”
Another common mistake? Not adjusting your personal brand. If your LinkedIn still reflects your old industry or your resume lacks the right keywords, and your network is full of people in your previous field, you’re making it harder for yourself. “Career changers need to position themselves correctly, showcase their new skills, and start connecting with the right people,” he explains.
And perhaps the most damaging mistake is just applying and leaving it to fate. “If you’re applying cold without any networking, you’re competing with hundreds of others in the same boat. The fastest way into a new industry is through relationships, whether it’s an introduction, an informational interview, or a direct referral.”
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How to Identify and Market Your Transferable Skills
One of the biggest hurdles career changers face is convincing employers that their past experience is relevant. Tolulope Michael recommends focusing on skills rather than job titles. “What do you do in your current role that overlaps with the new field? If you managed projects, worked with clients, analyzed data, or led a team, those are all transferable skills.”
A simple way to identify them is to compare job descriptions for roles you want with your past work experience. “You’ll probably realize you have more relevant experience than you thought; it just needs to be reframed in industry language.”
Once you’ve identified your transferable skills, the next step is marketing yourself effectively. Employers don’t just want skills; they want a compelling story. “Why are you making this switch? What steps have you taken? What projects have you worked on?” Michael advises career changers to show their skills in action, whether through a portfolio, LinkedIn content, or small projects that demonstrate expertise.
“Another underrated tactic is testimonials,” he adds. “If a past colleague or someone you volunteered for can vouch for your skills, that builds credibility fast.” A simple LinkedIn recommendation can make a significant impact on how employers view your capabilities.
What Employers Expect from Career Changers Today
The job market has shifted dramatically in recent years, and employer expectations have evolved. “The biggest shift I’ve noticed is that companies care more about what you can do than where you learned it,” Michael explains. “Companies like Google, Tesla, and IBM no longer require degrees for many roles—they prioritize skills instead.”
Another major change? Increased competition due to remote work. “You’re not just competing with local candidates anymore; you’re up against people from anywhere in the world.” That means standing out should be a priority. Generic resumes and vague experience won’t cut it—you need a strategy that captures attention quickly.
Michael also notes that employers today expect candidates to be proactive. “They’re not just looking at past job titles. They want to see if you’ve taken initiative to learn, build, or contribute outside of work.” Career changers who can prove they are fast learners and problem-solvers have a strong advantage, regardless of their background.
The Mindset Shifts You Need for a Successful Transition
Changing careers is as much a mental game as it is a strategic one. One of the most crucial mindset shifts, according to Michael, is overcoming self-doubt. “Stop telling yourself you’re not qualified. So many people hold themselves back because they think, ‘I don’t have the right background.’ But experience isn’t just about a job title; it’s about demonstrating value.”
Rejection is another part of the process. “It’s not personal; it’s data. If you’re applying and not hearing back, that’s a sign to tweak your resume, improve your pitch, or get more direct referrals. Every ‘no’ gets you closer to the ‘yes’—but only if you use it as a learning experience.”
To stay motivated, Michael recommends setting small, achievable goals. Instead of focusing only on landing the job, track things you can control: networking, completing a project, improving your LinkedIn profile. “Small progress adds up, and before you know it, you’re in a much stronger position.”
A Real-Life Career Change Success Story
To show what’s possible, Michael shared the inspiring story of Sarah, a former high school teacher who transitioned into cybersecurity with zero prior experience. “Sarah followed a structured approach, which made all the difference. She started by learning cybersecurity fundamentals, then gained hands-on experience through real-world projects.”
She didn’t just learn; she showcased her knowledge. “Sarah built credibility by positioning herself as a cybersecurity professional on LinkedIn, sharing insights, and engaging with industry leaders. She also leveraged networking to get direct referrals to cybersecurity roles.”
The result? In just three months, she landed a Cybersecurity Analyst role. “Instead of struggling alone for years, she fast-tracked her transition with a structured system, expert mentorship, and a job-focused strategy.”
Take Action, Build Experience, and Network with Intention
Career transitions don’t have to be long, frustrating, or expensive. As Michael emphasizes, “You don’t need years of experience; you just need proof you can do the job, the right positioning, and the right people in your corner.”
If you focus on building real experience instead of waiting for someone to give it to you, networking with intention, and staying persistent, you can break into almost any industry.
LightForth offers tools that make the process easier—from AI-powered resume optimization to interview coaching that helps you present your best self. Transitioning to a new career is possible. You just need the right strategy to make it happen.
